Campus News

Director of Sports prescribes recreational activities for health and wellness

By Bashir Dawodu

The Director of Sports, University of Ilorin, Prof. Tajudeen Olanrewaju Ibraheem, has called on both staff and students of the University to actively participate in recreational activities as a means of enhancing their overall well-being.

Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin last Wednesday, (May 7, 2025) in his office, Prof. Ibraheem emphasised the importance of incorporating exercise into daily routines, noting its wide-ranging benefits for physical, emotional, social, psychological, and intellectual development.

               “Exercise is more than just movement, it’s a holistic contributor to human development,” he said.

Prof. Ibraheem recommended group exercises over solitary workouts, explaining that exercising with others not only provides motivation but also creates opportunities for social interaction. He added that group activities help in building networks and can be safer in the event of an injury, as there are others present to assist.

He also clarified a common misconception between stress and exercise, stating that while stress is unplanned and unstructured, exercise is intentional and calculated. “Many people mistake the physical strain of daily tasks for exercise. True exercise is programmed and deliberate,” he explained.

Prof. Ibraheem, who is a Faculty member in the Department of Human Kinetics Education, underscored the medical community’s endorsement of exercise, noting that doctors often recommend regular physical activity over medication to manage stress-related health issues.

He encouraged members of the University community who are not yet involved in sports or recreational activities to begin as soon as possible, citing long term health benefits.

Prof. Ibraheem expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for his continued support of the Sports Unit. He revealed that the administration had provided sports equipment worth N19 million since assuming office, a move he described as instrumental in encouraging participation among staff and students.

He also acknowledged the Vice Chancellor’s support for the University’s participation in the upcoming Nigerian University Staff Games (NUSG) to be held at Bayero University, Kano, noting that funds had already been released for the event.

Prof. Ibraheem thanked the University Management for their unwavering support and urged it to continue investing in sports development for the betterment of the UNILORIN community.